When you’re done cooking, the grill cools quickly, and you don’t have to worry about dumping out ashes. In our tests, the Q 1200’s heavy-duty cast-aluminum firebox was the best at evenly absorbing and reflecting heat. That, along with the U-shaped burner, provided the most consistent grilling of all the portables we tested, with the fewest hot spots.
Speaking of weight, one of the few negative things that I do have to say about the Weber Q 2200 is regarding how heavy it is. For a portable gas grill, it can be quite heavy, making it difficult to lug around, particularly on its own. The only annoyance in the wind is the disposable aluminum drip tray liner, which is designed to save you from having to clean what can notoriously be the nastiest part of a grill. Without some significant weight added — like a rock — you can expect that this drip pan will pick up and fly away with the first significant gust of wind. The Weber Q 1200 is an unexpectedly powerful grill, resulting in cook times that were much faster than expected for such a petite barbecue. Like other top models, this is all thanks to a single, U-shaped burner that effectively delivers heat across the range of the grill surface.
In our tests, the well-placed vents in both the lid and the firebox provided precise temperature control that no other portable charcoal grill we tried—including two other Webers—could match. Portable grills aren’t just great for toting to a campground, park, or tailgate. If you don’t have the space or budget for a full-size grill, they might also be the best option for your backyard. After grilling 65 burgers, 30 pounds of chicken, and 25 pounds of bratwurst on nine portable grills, we have recommendations for both gas and charcoal options. The frame is made of a really tough fiberglass that will resist heat. The burner is made of stainless steel, and the cast iron grill grate has a porcelain coating.
You can call the Q2200 portable if you want but there are no lid latches on the grill, it is a pain to carry and the optional folding cart is incredibly flimsy. The main thing I want you to take away from this section is that all of these grills have great cooking performance. For retail purchases returned without a receipt, the refund will be issued as a store merchandise
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You can cook about six burgers at a time on the Q 1000’s 189 square inch grilling surface. The 3200 has the largest cooking area of all the Weber Q gas grills with 393 square inches of grilling space. The Q 3200 also comes with a stand for the grill, making it the only freestanding Weber Q model. This model also has a Grill Out handle light, which illuminates your grill for nighttime cooking.
The spacious dome lid has a built-in thermometer that lets you know when the grill is hot. And small fold-out side tables on either side are convenient for keeping grill tools within reach. If you have a Phillips-head screwdriver and a can-do attitude, you’ll be able to set up the Weber Q 2200 Grill in a matter of minutes. After pulling the grill and its pieces out of the box, I attached the lid using the included pins and screwed on the grill’s handle and thermometer. The control valve and ignition button simply slip into place, and the ignition even comes with the necessary AAA battery.
While this measurement objectively lands in the middle of the grills we tested, it tends to be plenty of room for most travel-cooking needs. If you are just grilling up the meat portion, it is enough to cook 3-4 servings; if you are cooking just for two, it is ample room to grill up both meat and veggies. While 13 extra pounds may not seem like a lot on paper, it could feel that way if you have to lug a grill over uneven ground to get to your campsite. By sacrificing the extra cooking space, you gain a lighter grill that’s more suited to travel – and still offers great performance. Combine that with the aluminum materials of the grill’s body, and you have a portable gas grill that’s rustproof and weather resistant. If you’re looking for a bigger portable grill, the weber charcoal grill 2200 Gas Grill has the same features, performance, and build as our pick, but with almost 50% more grilling capacity.
Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). portable bbq Lesley Stockton is a senior staff writer reporting on all things cooking and entertaining for Wirecutter. Her expertise builds on a lifelong career in the culinary world—from a restaurant cook and caterer to a food editor at Martha Stewart.
Also included are the removable drip catch pan, and one disposable liner. The manual which guides you through assembly and a recipe book with a few great grilling ideas are also included. Made with solid materials meant to handle both heat and the elements, the Q 100 is known for its durability and longevity.